Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is an effective cosmetic treatment that removes unwanted hair permanently. Patients love that this treatment saves them from the time, energy, and hassle of waxing, shaving, or using depilatory creams. Plus, you’ll avoid all the pain, nicks, and cuts from this method of hair removal. Laser hair removal is an excellent option if you dread every time you need to remove the excess body or facial hair and want a solution that will last.
At New You Cosmetic Centres, we utilize diode laser technology in all of our laser hair removal procedures. Our technicians customize the device settings to your exact skin tone and type. We have satisfied patients in our 7 locations across Ontario:
For general inquiries, you can contact us at (888) 701-1467 or fill out the simple online form that tells us you want to feel confident in your new skin!
Contents
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Hair removal lasers target the melanin within your hair, the pigment that determines human hair color. When melanin absorbs energy from the laser, it distributes it to the structures that help produce hair follicles. The hair matrix, the part that forms the root, and the hair shaft itself are destroyed by the laser’s heat. This damages the stem cells of hair- the cells that created the hair in the first place- so that it doesn’t come back. (2)
Advancements in Laser Hair Removal
The research for laser hair removal goes all the way back to the 1960s. During this decade, engineer Theodor H. Maiman designed the first hair growth-stopping laser. In 1964, another laser, the FDA-approved Nd:YAG, hit the market. This laser was safer than Maiman’s invention, but could only reduce hair, not get rid of it permanently.
In the late ‘90s, Dr. Melanie Grossman and Dr. Richard Rox Anderson devised a laser treatment that was both safe and effective- the alexandrite laser. In one recent study, it was shown that hair growth diminished by 35% after just one treatment. (1) Updated versions of the alexandrite laser are still used today for hair removal. Since then, however, even more types of laser have come along.
What is Diode Laser Technology?
All forms of light, including lasers, have measurable wavelengths. Each wavelength of a diode laser is 805 to 810 nanometers, depending on the device. One nanometer is a billionth of a metre, so each unit of light emitted is extremely short. This specific wavelength has been found to penetrate deeper into the skin and is especially effective in dark skin types. (2)
The device’s intensity can be easily adjusted according to your skin tone. The diode lasers we use have a handpiece that features a 30 x 17 mm window through which light pulses are emitted. After the settings are adjusted to your skin tone, diode lasers are entirely safe to use for hair removal, and any side effects are temporary. (3)
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
The countless hours of perfecting your waxing regimen, exfoliating and shaving just right, and tweezing away in the shower or mirror can wear you down. Not to mention, there is almost always some issue with ingrown hairs, infection, razor burn, and itchiness. If you want to say goodbye to the hassle of unwanted facial and body hair permanently, laser hair removal might be the solution for you.
After your hair removal, you’ll no longer have to feel self-conscious about wearing bathing suits or certain clothes. You’ll get that much-needed confidence boost and feel more attractive than ever. Plus, your skin will remain silky smooth, and unaffected by the laser treatments.
Candidates for Laser Hair Removal
With our diode laser technology, it doesn’t matter what your skin or hair color is– we can remove unwanted hair for you. There are, however, certain areas of your health that need to be evaluated in order to ensure that the treatment is right for you. You are a good candidate if you:
- Have restricted sun exposure in the treatment area
- Have avoided waxing or plucking the area for at least six weeks
- Have clear, scar-free skin
- Have resolved any acne or skin conditions
- Are infection-free in the area of your treatment
If you have any skin issues, we may recommend another treatment before scheduling your laser hair removal session.
Personal Consultation
We can help you reach your hair removal goals with a personal consultation at any one of our seven locations in Ontario. In your consultation, you’ll be able to discuss your concerns, questions, medical history, and everything in between that matters to you and your results. With the convenience of a treatment and financial plan that work for you, you can achieve the skin you’ve always dreamed of. Call or schedule today to see if laser hair removal works for you!
Preparing for Laser Hair Removal
Preparation is a key part of ensuring that your hair removal stays permanent. Taking these steps will also keep your skin protected and unharmed from laser treatments. Here’s what you can do to best prepare for your treatment:
- Keep your treatment area protected from sun exposure and avoid tanning beds. These activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks before your session. They can expose you to UV radiation, which is damaging to skin cells.
- Avoid plucking, waxing, and depilatory creams for six weeks before your appointment. These remove hair follicles, so the laser can’t target any melanin.
- Avoid bleaching your hair for six weeks before your appointment. Having very light hair can make laser less effective.
- Adjust your medication according to the doctor’s orders. Some medications can make your skin more sensitive and reactive to lasers.
- Remove any creams or makeup right before the procedure.
- Let the doctor know if you have had a viral outbreak before. They can prescribe an anti-viral medication to prevent an outbreak.
You will need to shave your treatment area 24 hours before your procedure. This way, the laser can penetrate to the roots rather than be blocked by hair protruding from the skin.
Procedure Steps
First, a surgical esthetician or nurse will make sure that you’re comfortable during the procedure. This involves applying a topical anesthetic that will take at least 30 minutes to provide a full numbing effect. Next, another cooling gel or cream will be applied to protect the skin further.
You and your esthetician will wear glasses throughout the course of the procedure to protect your eyes. The esthetician will then apply the handheld device to the treatment area, delivering light energy in short pulses. The actual lasering only takes a few minutes, depending on the surface area covered.
Laser hair removal doesn’t cause significant discomfort, but some patients describe a slight rubber band-like snapping as the light is applied to their skin. You’ll be able to let your medical technician know if more topical anesthetic is needed.
Aftercare
Some irritation and redness are completely normal for up to a few hours after the treatment is completed. You will be able to apply ice or other cooling gels to ease discomfort. We will provide a topical steroid cream to ease any redness and promote healing. Apply it as prescribed. You should avoid any other skincare products for at least 24 hours afterward. You should keep the area clean with gentle soap.
Exposure to the sun should be limited; you should apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more to your treated area if it is going to be exposed to the sun. You should follow this guidance strictly for 2 months following each treatment session.
Finally, you will have to wait 4 to 6 weeks before your next session. (2)
Results of Laser Hair Removal
Some of the hair follicles in your treatment area will be at different stages in the hair cycle when you get your laser hair removal. And while new hairs may come in, many will shed over the course of the following month. Even though multiple treatments are needed, the results are permanent. For many patients, there is nothing more satisfying than feeling confident with romantic partners or showing off their new body at the pool. Getting rid of unwanted hair can completely transform the way you feel about your body and highlight the beautiful skin underneath.
To get more ideas on how New You can help you beautify your skin to the max, read our blog to learn about the other non and minimally invasive procedures we offer.
Cost of Laser Hair Removal in Burlington
At New You, we have mastered laser hair removal techniques for all skin types and tones. We can provide a customized plan that will work for your skin and hair color. Depending on these factors, several treatment sessions are often needed, so let us get to know you through a quick call or inquiry and get you on track for silky, smooth, hairless skin.
FAQ
You will likely need 2 to 6 treatment sessions depending on your hair and skin color.
Hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin, is a rare, but possible side effect of laser treatment. The risk of this side effect can be reduced significantly if patients take precautions to avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen after treatment. (4)
Depending on your pain tolerance, you may experience mild pain or discomfort, however, this will quickly subside once the treatment is complete
References
- Finkel B, Eliezri YD, Waldman A, Slatkine M. Pulsed alexandrite laser technology for noninvasive hair removal. J Clin Laser Med Surg. 1997;15(5):225-229. doi:10.1089/clm.1997.15.225
- Tanvi Vaidya, Dinesh Kumar D. Laser Hair Removal. Nih.gov. Published June 2, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507861/
- Załęska I, Atta-Motte M. Aspects of Diode Laser (805 nm) Hair Removal Safety in a Mixed-Race Group of Patients. J Lasers Med Sci. 2019;10(2):146-152. doi:10.15171/jlms.2019.23
- Prohaska J, Hohman MH. Laser Complications. PubMed. Published 2023. Accessed June 12, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532248/#:~:text=It%20may%20be%20reduced%20by
